Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of previously assessed/score cigar blends. Today we look at the 1502 Emerald in a box-press corona. We first assessed this blend back in November, 2012 in a box-press toro. We have also reviewed this cigar in a box-press perfecto and a pre-release of the lancero.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, San Andres Mexican
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Plasencia Cigars S.A.)
Corona: 5 1/2 x 42 (Box-Press)
The 1502 Emerald is one of the three original lines launched by Enrique Sanchez Icaza’s Global Premium Cigars. This month the long awaited Corona line extension has been released for the Emerald, Ruby, and Black Gold lines. The 1502 Emerald line has been considered one of the more milder offerings in the 1502 portfolio, but I have always felt the name “Fina Fuerte” (the name given by 1502 Cigars which means Fine Strong) has been more appropriate. We have taken a look at several sizes in this line including the Toro, Perfecto, and Lancero sizes. The 1502 Emerald has proven to be an excellent line in this author’s eyes, but with the Corona, I found this cigar goes to a whole new level. Without a doubt, this is the best cigar in the line released to date.
The 1502 Emerald Corona features a Nicaraguan Corojo Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan and Mexican tobaccos. The Corona comes in a 5 1/2 x 42 size. True to the 1502 form, the 1502 Emerald Corona is box-pressed and features the brand’s signature “cigar lock” with a partially covered foot.
The 1502 Emerald Corona starts keeps in the same wheelhouse as flavors in the other sizes, but they all just seem to come together with this smoke. The Corona started out with a mix of cedar and pepper spices. The spices receded in the background and notes of chocolate and natural tobacco emerged. The chocolate notes developed a creamy profile and fused beautifully with the natural tobacco. Toward the later part of the smoke some of the spices kick back up, but it doesn’t lose that chocolate / natural tobacco flavor. While some of the other sizes did provide some citrus flavors, I did not get this on the Corona.
As I mentioned I never really considered the 1502 Emerald to be a “mild” smoke. To me this cigar is a medium strength, medium to full-bodied cigar. I found the construction to be excellent and this was reflected on the low maintenance burn and draw.
We refer to the standout vitola in a line as the “Belle of the Ball”. Without question, the 1502 Emerald Corona stands at the top of the pack in a line that already has some excellent vitolas. This is definitely a cigar to check out. It’s a cigar worth fighting Chuck Norris for.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 4.5 – Fight Chuck Norris for Them
Score: 93
References
Original Assessment (Toro): 1502 Emerald
News: 1502 Coronas for Emerald, Ruby, and Black Gold Lines
Price: n//a
Source: Cigars Provided by Manufacturer
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 93
Stogie Feed: 1502 Emerald Lancero, 1502 Emerald Perfecto
